Remember back in High School when they talked about Abraham Maslow? His theory about the hierarchy of needs? It was interesting stuff, and probably was and still is a semi-realistic model.

Can the government fulfill that hierarchy? Should they?

As I think about how government institutions and ideals have tried to attempt Maslows hierarchy, I see a disconnect to reality.

The very basic (bottom of the pyramid) needs were/are the first thing the government tried to do for some. Food, water, shelter, the physiological. We have government programs that attempt to provide those things for people that cannot (or will not) provide those things for themselves.

But, a funny thing happened on the way up the hierarchy. Not so long ago, esteem became a government program. Yes, it was subtle, but it was there and it happened. Schools started trying to make sure nobody had their self-esteem hurt. You know, things like making sure everybody got an award of some type, passing kids onto the next grade level even if they werent ready.
And the federal government got concerned about esteem also. Enter the EBT card. No more embarrassing food stamps, now the government issues a debit card for welfare. It looks a debit card, that way the people that use one wont be embarrassed or ashamed at the grocery store.
Esteem is the 4th level of the pyramid.

The government forgot part of the 2nd level which includes health and property.
(Disclaimer by MountianMan: You cannot legislate morality, not all morals are the same for all people. You can pass laws about murder and theft, but things like homosexuality and abortion are not shared morals)
The government cant do anything about the 3rd level of the pyramid, thats impossible.

And today, we have the government trying to legislate the 2nd level of the pyramid. Passing a Health Care Bill. Did they put the cart before the horse? Did they think they could force Maslows hierarchy? Do they still think they can?

Anybody that needs the government to physiologically and psychologically fulfill their needs is unfortunate. They wont get what they truly need. Anybody that expects the government to do that for others is delusional and/or egotistical. You cant reach the 5th level of the pyramid unless you accomplish the 4th level on your own.

And the federal government got concerned about esteem also. Enter the EBT card. No more embarrassing food stamps, now the government issues a debit card for welfare. It looks a debit card, that way the people that use one wont be embarrassed or ashamed at the grocery store.

Click to expand...

Um, no  sorry

The Federal government got concerned about saving money, as printing the paper coupons was an unnecessary expense given the available technology (EBT cards were introduced in 1998). It also prevented recipients from selling food stamps for cash. Those receiving Social Security payments also received their monthly payments on EBT cards, nothing shameful about receiving SS payments. And like debit and credit cards, EBT cards could be canceled if lost or stolen, not possible with paper food stamp coupons (which functioned exactly like paper money) or SS checks.

Useful Searches

About USMessageBoard.com

USMessageBoard.com was founded in 2003 with the intent of allowing all voices to be heard. With a wildly diverse community from all sides of the political spectrum, USMessageBoard.com continues to build on that tradition. We welcome everyone despite political and/or religious beliefs, and we continue to encourage the right to free speech.

Come on in and join the discussion. Thank you for stopping by USMessageBoard.com!